{"product_id":"ioptron-3327","title":"iOptron Adjustable AZ\/EQ Base","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLatitude Adjustment Range: -30º to 65º\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAzimuth Adjustment Range: ±5º\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVixen-Type Dovetail Saddle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStandard 3\/8” Tripod Socket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 1.5 lbs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAdjustable AZ\/EQ Base\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Adjustable AZ\/EQ Base transforms a standard heavy-duty photo tripod into a functional equatorial platform for portable star trackers and small telescopes. It provides a wide latitude adjustment range of -30º to 65º and a fine azimuth adjustment of ±5º, enabling precise polar alignment from nearly any location on Earth. The base features an industry-standard Vixen-type saddle and mounts via a 3\/8” socket on a stable Φ80 mm platform, all in a compact 1.5 lbs package.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePrecision Polar Alignment: -30° to 65° Latitude and ±5° Azimuth Control\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis base's core function is to facilitate accurate polar alignment for untracked astrophotography. The expansive -30º to 65º latitude range accommodates observers from the southern hemisphere well into northern latitudes. Once your tripod is level, using the integrated level bubble, the ±5º azimuth adjustment allows for fine-tuning your alignment on the celestial pole without having to move the tripod legs, saving critical time in the field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUniversal Mounting: Vixen Saddle and 3\/8\" Base for Trackers and Tripods\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEngineered for broad compatibility, the Adjustable AZ\/EQ Base connects seamlessly with common astrophotography gear. The Vixen-type dovetail saddle accepts the majority of portable star trackers and small optical tubes. Its base features a 3\/8” threaded socket, the standard for robust photographic tripods, while the wide Φ80 mm diameter ensures a secure, stable connection. At only 1.5 lbs, it adds critical functionality without significantly increasing the weight of your portable setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the main purpose of the Adjustable AZ\/EQ Base?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe primary purpose of the Adjustable AZ\/EQ Base is to provide precise \u003cstrong\u003elatitude (altitude)\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eazimuth\u003c\/strong\u003e adjustments for polar aligning a portable star tracker or small telescope on a standard photo tripod. While excellent for portable setups, it does not replace the tracking precision of a full German equatorial mount needed for heavy, long-focal-length instruments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat kind of tripod do I need for this Adjustable AZ\/EQ Base?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou will need a sturdy photo tripod with a standard \u003cstrong\u003e3\/8” mounting screw\u003c\/strong\u003e. This is common on most heavy-duty tripods designed for photography and videography. The base has a diameter of 80mm, so a tripod head with a similar or larger platform is recommended for maximum stability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat star trackers are compatible with the Vixen saddle on this base?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eVixen-type saddle\u003c\/strong\u003e is a widely adopted standard in the astronomy industry. It is compatible with most portable star trackers from brands like Sky-Watcher, iOptron, and others that use a Vixen-style dovetail bar for mounting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I use the Adjustable AZ\/EQ Base for polar alignment in a location like southern Florida (latitude ~26° N)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The latitude adjustment range of \u003cstrong\u003e-30º to 65º\u003c\/strong\u003e easily covers the ~26º latitude of southern Florida. This wide range makes the base suitable for use across most of the inhabited world, from southern hemisphere locations to high northern latitudes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eI've leveled my tripod, but my alignment on Polaris is slightly off. How does the Adjustable AZ\/EQ Base help?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe base's \u003cstrong\u003e±5º azimuth adjustment range\u003c\/strong\u003e is designed for exactly this scenario. Instead of making clumsy adjustments to your tripod legs, you can use the fine-control knobs on the base to move your tracker left or right, centering Polaris in your polar scope precisely and efficiently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the -30° latitude setting on the Adjustable AZ\/EQ Base work?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe negative latitude values are for observers in the \u003cstrong\u003eSouthern Hemisphere\u003c\/strong\u003e. A setting of -30º would correspond to a latitude of 30º South, allowing you to polar align on the South Celestial Pole. The range extending from -30º to +65º ensures near-global usability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDovetail Saddle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVixen-type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMounting Base Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eΦ80 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMounting Base Socket\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3\/8” threaded socket\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLatitude Adjustment Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e-30º ~ 65º\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAzimuth Adjustment Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e±5º\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLevel Indicator\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLevel bubble\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.5 lbs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 x 4 x 4 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eAdjustable AZ\/EQ Base\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/ioptron-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eManufacturer's Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"iOptron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52917287485725,"sku":"IOP-3327","price":79.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/iOptron-Adjustable-AZ-EQ-Base-1_9a1ad4be-d6a1-4477-9306-d22c977b9fea.jpg?v=1789141946","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/fr-us\/products\/ioptron-3327","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}